“The ongoing issues and challenges that have confronted the organization over recent months have greatly exceeded the scope of work outlined by the initial contract,” says the letter, from Hill + Knowlton’s Mark McKinnon.

The firm’s $375,000 contract began in March and was set to run until August 31, 2013, said CPRIT spokeswoman Ellen Read.

CPRIT, approved by Texas voters in 2007, is authorized to spend up to $3 billion over 10 years to fight cancer. The agency funds cancer prevention, university research and companies trying to bring treatments to market.

CPRIT’s spokeswoman said the agency is now trying to retain another firm to help with public relations.